The purpose of your initial consultation appointment is to allow you to meet with Dr. Sperber to discuss your needs. We realize that any proposed treatment is of little value unless it addresses your concerns. It is only once these concerns are clearly understood that Dr. Sperber will perform a clinical examination and report his findings back to you. At this time, a treatment plan will likely be recommended if it is felt that treatment can be beneficial. Dr. Sperber will answer all questions that you may have about any identified problems and the proposed tentative treatment plan. He will address treatment timing, types of orthodontic devices to be used, treatment alternatives, and fees. We feel that our patients must be fully educated about their situation and our proposed treatment. It is only then that they can be capable of making an informed decision about how they wish to proceed. It may also be the case that treatment may not be suggested right away for reasons of inadequate tooth development, growth, or the need for other dental work prior to starting.

Diagnostic Records

If treatment is suggested, it is generally not possible for Dr. Sperber to plan detailed treatment completely after the initial visit. The clinical examination that is performed at this appointment, although thorough, does not provide sufficient information in order to finalize treatment details. Some problems may not be evident from this type of examination. A series of records must be gathered as well. These include photographs, plaster models of the teeth, and radiographs (x-rays) of the teeth and jaws. It is only after a complete analysis of these records has been performed that Dr. Sperber can establish a final individualized treatment plan.

Cost of Treatment

Dr. Sperber determines the treatment fee at the initial visit, prior to commencing orthodontic care. This fee is individualized, and is dependent upon the severity of the patient's problem, as well as the types of appliances used to correct the problem. There are occasionally multiple ways to treat a single problem. Most patients elect to break the treatment fee down, spreading it out over the total treatment time in the form of monthly payments. You will have the opportunity to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. If you do have dental insurance, an insurance pre-determination form will be filled out for you at the initial visit so that you may determine what coverage you have.